Mostly the way the Sr GP competitors have been stumbling all over, falling, and popping jumps, maybe it's the Jr's that will manage to keep their feet under them. Anyway, I always like to see the future talent coming along and who I'm likely to be seeing in Sochi. Even when they make mistakes, I usually smile rather than grimace like I do for the Srs.

I think except for pairs gold (likely the Chinese), the Jr GP podium spots are wide open. I find predicting the Sr GP final somewhat easier--though as my Fantasy Skating picks attest to, I could be wrong.

Mostly the way the Sr GP competitors have been stumbling all over, falling, and popping jumps, maybe it's the Jr's that will manage to keep their feet under them. Anyway, I always like to see the future talent coming along and who I'm likely to be seeing in Sochi. Even when they make mistakes, I usually smile rather than grimace like I do for the Srs.

I think except for pairs gold (likely the Chinese), the Jr GP podium spots are wide open. I find predicting the Sr GP final somewhat easier--though as my Fantasy Skating picks attest to, I could be wrong.

I think ladies is pretty predictable. Baga and Murakami who have a lead in the short program. But unless Baga really gets some more technical content, Polina Shelepen will certainly out jump her by a lot in the long. Murakami will still likely win as long as she skates clean though.

I wouldn't be surprised to see more skaters than just Baga & Murakami beat Polina in the SP, only to have Polina beat everyone in the LP (maybe even Murakami if she's not on - but Murakami is my bet to take the whole thing). It could change if she adds the 3-3 in the SP, but she might not want to risk that.

Hanyu has to be the favorite for the men considering his point totals this season. Miner is also a big favorite.

I wouldn't be surprised to see more skaters than just Baga & Murakami beat Polina in the SP, only to have Polina beat everyone in the LP (maybe even Murakami if she's not on - but Murakami is my bet to take the whole thing). It could change if she adds the 3-3 in the SP, but she might not want to risk that.

Hanyu has to be the favorite for the men considering his point totals this season. Miner is also a big favorite.

That's what I'm thinking. That is unless Polina gets higher PCS and GOE for her jumps or does a 3/3 in the short..But Polina will have difficulty some with that because she lips and the flip is the required solo jump in the short.

She might be able to even beat a decently skating Murakami in the long. Because Polina does attempt more technical content than her. But the PCS should rightfully go to Murakami.

I know everyone is talking about Murakami and Baga. But at this point I actually think Polina may have more potential in the long term. She may not be as polished as the other two skaters, but she actually has all of her triples something that cannot be said for either (I believe Murakami wasn't attempting a loop) better technique on her jumps too. People were commenting on how her 3toe (in her double axel/3toe looked like literally a 2toe) Baga really needs to get more triples or she'll be the American Lepisto. Baga is young though.

I think it will be easier to polish up Polina...This being said, she better get some more polish considering her competition coming up.

I don't like using point totals except as a general indicator due to differences across technical and judging panels. Though head-to-head comparisons per competition are probably indicative. However, anything can happen.

I predict that the Tokyo location of the JGPF is going put extra pressure on Hanyu and Murakami, it will rattle them, they won't skate close to clean, and some of the other mens and ladies will therefore have an opportunity to step up and walk through this open door.

Polina will compete this week at Russian cup, so we will see in what shape she is now... And I think she will put 3-3 in the SP, it's not too difficult for her or too risky

Shelepen Scored 60.78 in her sp at 4th stage of Russia cup;According Fsonline, Polina landed a 3-3 in her sp and scored 37.70 for her TES, and further more she did not receive and bonus points hence is compareable to her jgp events. Her Pcs was 23.08 (20.34 in minsk, 20.68 in Budapest).

Even if Polina's score was inflated in PCS, the scores are still very Impressive and put her in contention for lead after the SP, or atleast not too far from leaders.

Shelepen Scored 60.78 in her sp at 4th stage of Russia cup;According Fsonline, Polina landed a 3-3 in her sp and scored 37.70 for her TES, and further more she did not receive and bonus points hence is compareable to her jgp events. Her Pcs was 23.08 (20.34 in minsk, 20.68 in Budapest).

Even if Polina's score was inflated in PCS, the scores are still very Impressive and put her in contention for lead after the SP, or atleast not too far from leaders.